A small fleet including three speedboats and a tender are to leave their base in northern Germany next month bound for the Strait of Gibraltar, the spokesman said.

German ships have been used to search for potential terrorist supply routes, carry out coast watch duties and ensure the safety of transport vessels as part of NATO's "Active Endeavour" anti-terror mission in the Mediterranean Sea.

A small fleet, comprised of three patrol vessels, a logistics ship and 120 crew, took up station in early October but was withdrawn earlier this month, reportedly because it had little to do.

No explanation was given for the reversal.

WAR.WIRE